Gift Guides: The Enigma

For your hardest to shop for recipients - from relatives you’re not sure how you are related to, to colleagues from the office secret Santa pool. These thoughtful gifts are ones everyone can appreciate, and several I’d like to pick up for myself.

For a meal on a cold winter’s night and for never being unsure about just how much salt to add to the pasta pot - perfectly portioned salt discs to drop in the water from Jacobsen Salt paired with an innovative new pasta shape from NY noodle wizards, Sfoglini. If you want to take the theme a little further why not add some next level olive oil,

For dressing up their desk - a personalized notebook in a endless assortment of styles from chic and classic to beautifully bohemian. Custom lined notebook from Papier.

For words of encouragement along with their self-care - moisturizing soaps in a variety of amazing sounding scents made in the U.S. by a company that employs women in recovery. Bar Soaps from Musee.

For their favorite brew on the go or at their desk - a beautifully designed glass tea infuser, add tea and water to separate chambers, screw together, invert & brew. Tea Infuser from Ukiyo. Up the ante with a sleek mid-century whistling tea kettle, whose compact footprint and good looks make it a constant stovetop companion. Whistling Tea Kettle from Caraway. More? Less? Maybe some colonial-inspired teas from Charleston purveyor Oliver Pluff, best-in-class Chai from Kolkata Chai Co., or a spectacular blend from Bellocq.

For an often overlooked part of their identity - and most certainly something to get the person that has everything - a calligrapher designed signature that comes with a tutorial so they can easily sign it themselves. Custom Personal Signature from MySign Studio.

For the love of a handwritten note, and to practice that signature - correspondence cards to match any personality. Favorites above include bright & brilliant Sauvage, a modern simple spin on letterpress from sugar.paper, or classically colorful Liberty. Looking for something a little more irreverent? Don’t miss multiple guide repeat, Terrapin Stationers.

For instant end of day relaxation - despite its clinical appearance, this plus a glass of wine is a one way ticket to a zen state. Weighted Heating Pad from Pure Enrichment.

For hacking plant parent life - a three in one soil meter that tracks moisture, pH, and sunlight. Pair it with a new potted addition to their garden for the perfect package. 3-in-1 Soil Moisture Meter from The Sill.

For pairing with a favorite bottle - a box of handmade cookies crafted perfectly to hit all the flavor notes in Kentucky’s finest. Bourbon Lover’s Cookie Box from Holly Hill & Co.

For elevating that gift bottle even further - a fully customized set of silicon ice molds from Siligrams.

For skipping the digital frame in favor of something that can more easily be stashed in a bag and shared with their friends, or displayed more permanently around the house - a monthly print order delivery service from your phone to their home. Nanagram.

For chic charging - a cordless station that supports multiple devices in a series of home decor friendly hues. Catch2 from Courant.

For anyone and everyone - a little bit of fancy chocolate is never a bad idea - whether it’s beautifully dipped dried fruit from California via Compartes, a NY Times-winning mixed box featuring flavors from burnt caramel to tarragon grapefruit from Recchiuti, or our household favorite, a chocolate orange available almost everywhere.

For the backyard bird enthusiast and ensuring fewer trips out in the cold to refill this winter. Giant 6 Liter Bird Feeder from Garrett Wade.

For holiday cheer without the real tree - the most authentic smelling candle - really not a bad choice for anyone on your list who needs some additional holiday spirit. Frasier Fir Candle from the Thymes - also available in a smaller size for stuffing stockings.

For those that already have more candles than they know what to do with - scented wax tablets from a centuries old Italian perfume house for fragrancing their closet and dresser. Acqua della Regina Wax Tablets from Santa Maria Novella.

For the safe storage of treasures - whether from travel, children, weddings or other life milestones - beautiful archival boxes that file away memories on the bookcase. Travel Keepsake Vault, Wedding Keepsake Box, or Baby Keepsake Box from Savor. Looking for something more practical? Don’t miss the “Just in Case” Collection.